The Commander of the Lord’s Army

Please consider this beautiful scene. It’s got it all-

The Commander of the Lord’s Army

When Joshua was by Jericho, he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing before him with his drawn sword in his hand. And Joshua went to him and said to him, “Are you for us, or for our adversaries?” And he said, “No; but I am the commander of the army of the Lord. Now I have come.” And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped and said to him, “What does my lord say to his servant?” And the commander of the Lord’s army said to Joshua, “Take off your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so. (Joshua 5:13-15)

The Lord Jesus is the man who had the sword. How do we know? He received worship, and He said Joshua was standing on holy ground. We see that He is holy.

He said He is not for them nor for their adversaries because He was not there to help Joshua. He was there to take charge on behalf of the LORD God. His answer meant that Jesus was neither on one side or another but above all sides, and Joshua is meant to follow HIM. He is God.

Joshua’s answer, “What does my lord say to his servant?” and falling to his face is the perfect response- putting Jesus first and asking to how he, Joshua, could serve Him. He is worthy of praise. He is worthy of worship.

The answer to Joshua; that where Joshua was standing is holy ground, is proper, beautiful, and utter truth. Joshua did so, indicating his obedience. He is worthy to obey.

Jesus is so beautiful, I can hardly contain my joy at reading His word and learning more about Him. His pre-incarnate appearances, as when He appeared as a man to Abraham in sojourning to Sodom, appearing to Joshua here, speaking to Hagar in the desert, the man who wrestled with Jacob, and the man who appeared to Daniel…wonderful scenes of an involved and loving Jesus who is the image of God, guiding His people in the Father’s plan.

What a wonderful bible we have, the revealed God who loves us and who made a way for us to be forgiven of our sins. Read your bible and behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Start anywhere, the whole thing is pure gold 🙂